Collapsible structure



June 22, 1965 J. A. USHER ETAL 3,190,406

COLLAPSIBLE STRUCTURE Filed Sept- 17, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ///ar//a s:

June 22, 1965 J. A. USHER ETAL 3,190,406

COLLAPSIBLE STRUCTURE Filed Sept. 17, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2' '4 lmlllllln United States Patent 3,190,406 COLLAPSIBLE STRUCTURE John A. Usher, 7412 S. Shore Drive; John R. Usher, 7441 S. Shore Drive; and James F. Usher, 7412 S. Shore Drive, all of Chicago, Ill. Filed Sept. 17, 1962, Ser. No. 223,885 7 Claims. (Cl. 189-20) "Our invention relates generally to framing and specifi- V cally to a framework which may be collapsed into a compact unit for storage and shipment or transporting.

Accordingly, a primary object of our invention is to provide a framework suitable for supporting a scaffold, a similar framework, or the like, which is simple, compact, strong and very light.

A further object is to provide a collapsible framework which can be stacked to build a supporting structure of any desired height.

Another object is to provide a collapsible brace assembly having a novel angular expansion limit means which acts as a pivot for crossing, overlapping brace members, and positively limits their relative angularity with respect to one another.

Yet a further object is to provide a collapsible framework in which the top collapses inwardly faster than the bottom to thereby provide a base of maximum width and stability, at all times.

Yet another object is to provide a collapsible frame- Work of adjustable width.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following description of the invention.

' The invention is illustrated more or less diagrammatically in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevation of our framework;

FIGURE 2 is a view taken substantially along the line 2- 2 of FIGURE 1;

, FIGURE 3 is a view of two of our frameworks stacked, one atop the other with corresponding parts in the two frameworks rotated 90 degrees from one to the other;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective View of our framework in a partially collapsed position;

FIGURE 5 is a section taken substantially along the line 5-5 of FIGURE 2 showing our framework in a completely collapsed condition;

FIGURE 6 is a detail to a larger scale of an element of the invention;

FIGURE 7 is a view taken substantially along the line 77 of FIGURE 6; and

FIGURE 8 is a detail view of a modified brace assembly on .a reduced scale.

'Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like parts throughout the following description.

Referring first to FIGURES l and 2, our collapsible framework includes a pair of rigid sideframes 10, 11, and one or more, usually a pair, of folding cross braces indicated generally at 12, 13. The folding cross braces form, in effect, collapsible sideframes. Each of the rigid sideframes includes a pair of rigid corner members 14, and 16, 17. (See FIGURES 3 and 4.) The corner members are maintained parallel to one another by a plurality of struts 18, 19, 20, and 18a, 19a, 20a. Although three struts on each side have been illustrated in this instance, a greater or lesser number may be employed depending upon the strength and rigidity to be built into the frame- I Work.

Each folding crossbrace consists of a pair of crossed, overlapping diagonal brace assemblies 22, 23 and 24, 25, as best seen in FIGURE 4. Each diagonal brace assembly consists of, in this instance, a pair of sliding telescopic rectangular tubular members 26, 27 and 28, 29, as best seen in FIGURES 1 and 7. The lower end of outer tubular member 26 is pivo-tally connected to strut 18a by a flanged, half-moon shaped bracket 30 shown best in FIG- URES I and 2. The upper end of internal tubular member 27 is connected to strut 20 by a similar connecting bracket 31. As best seen in FIGURE 2, the points of connection of diagonal brace assembly 22 to'struts 18a and 20, and of diagonal brace assembly 23 to struts 18 and 20a, lie inwardly from the joint between the strut and corner member a distance sufficient to permit the corner members to practically abut one another when our frame work is completely collapsed, as in FIGURE 5.

The lower end of outer tubular member 28 is pivotally connected to strut 18 by a similar bracket 32, and the upper end of inner member 29 is connected to strut 20a by bracket 33. The relative positions of the brackets along the struts and the clearance between the brace and corner members are best seen in FIGURE 2.

The connections of folding cross brace 13 to its associated strut members are substantially identical.

The ends of the cross braces may be pivoted to structure other than the struts, for example pivot stubs or brackets extending from the corner members.

The corner members 14, 15, 16 and 17 are tubular as shown in FIGURE 4. A caster consisting of a swivel bracket 34 and wheel 35 is received in the bottom of each corner member. The upper end of each corner member may be necked down as at 36 to provide a stop beyond which a short extension 37 will not travel. The short pipe extensions provide a base to receive the bottom ends of similar corner members 38, 39 of a substantially identical framework which thereby enables the frameworks to be stacked one on top of the other. Such an arrangement is illustrated in FIGURE 3.

Means for limiting the angle between the overlapping diagonal braces in each folding cross brace, and for maintaining said braces in abutted coupled and pivoted relationship, is indicated generally at 40. The limiting means is a limiting and pivoting device which consists essentially of a pair of tie plates or bars 41, 42 which are pivotally received on oppositely located stub pivot shafts 43, 44 welded to the outer faces of tubular sleeves 26, 28. A pair of spacers connecting the tie plates together are indicated at 45, 46. Each spacer consists essentially of a sleeve 47 which is held between the tie plates by a bolt 48 running therethrough and nut 49. While stub shafts 43, 44 are shown on the sleeves 26, 28, it will be understood that .a plurality of oppositely positioned holes or depressions could be formed in the outer tubular members, and stub pivots could be formed on the tie plates for entry into such depressions Spacer members 47 are slightly longer than the distance between the outer faces of members 2 6 and 28 to insure free swinging movement about the stub pivots. As best seen in FIGURE 6, outer tubular members 26, 28 make substantially line contact with the spacers 47 at 50, 51 and 52, 53. By the addition of shims between the spacers and the outer tubular members, or by the use of spacers having diameters different from that shown, the angle between the brace assemblies may be varied as needed. To provide for use of one-diameter spacers in association With each of the pivot points 55, 43, 56, for example, shims of varying thicknesses can be afiixed to sleeves 26, 28, the diameter of the spacers being set for use with pivot 56 and shims 60, 61 of increasingthickness being located for use with said spacers when pivots 43 and 55 are employed, as best seen in FIGURE 8.

A plurality of additional pairs of oppositely positioned stub pivots are indicated generally at 55, 56 in FIGURE 3. Although only two additional pairs have been shown, it will be understood that a greater or lesser number may be employed as desired.

Means for locking the outer tubular members to the inner members are indicated at 57. V set screw threaded through tubular member 26 has been illustrated but it will be understood thatwithin the scope of our invention a removable .pin or other suitable lock-f ing or, clamping device. may be employed. The use and operation of ourinvention are asfollowsz: The. width between the substantially rigid sideframes 1th, 11'is'determined by the locationand components of the limiting and pivoting device 49, and the adjustment of the diagonal brace member. The sideframes It 11 are collapsed to the point at which a pair of oppositely positioned stub pivot shafts or indenture pivots ,are in approximate alignmentj In FIGURES 1 and 2 the center set of stub pivots 43,44 has been-selected. The tie plates 41, 42 are then slipped on the stub pivot shafts, the spacers 47 aligned with the apertures at the end of the tie plates, and bolts 48 passed through the tie plateapertures and spacers. The nut 49 is then'secured tightly against the tie plates to prevent the tie-piates from slipping off the stub. pivots.

. The length of each diagonal bracemember isthen set by loosening or withdrawing set screw 'or pin 57' and sliding interior tubular'members27, 29 out of the ex'-' terior tubular members 26, 28, until a desired operative position is reached. The locking screwor pin is then In this instance a tures in members 26, 27 to lock the framework of the invention in a partially collapsed configuration similar to that in FIGURE 4,'in which configuration the framework may, be-useful for a variety, of function, such as that of a sawhorse for-example.

' By locating the diagonal brace miembers inwardly along the struts 'adis'tanc'esufiicient to clear the corner members 14, 15,. 16, 17, our framework may be collapsed to the compact position illustrated in FIGURE 5. Simiextending outwa'rdly from-the corner members.

. 'clearance'is providedbetween the ends of the stub pivot 1 A foldable cross brace including a pair of crossed repositioned. The framework'is opened by pulling out- I wardly on the rigid sideframes to, the position of FIG j URES 1 and 2. In this position the upper struts 20, 20a provide a two-point support for aplatform or similar structure.-

The framework is of course movable on wheels 35.

I By, properadjustment ofthe length of the diagonal brace members, the distance between the substantially rigid sideframes 10,11 can be adjusted to be identical with the width of one of the-rigid sideframesr In this 7 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the struts, and the struts in the upper framework provide" increased rigidity in the framework in'a directionrperpe'ndicular to thelower struts The combination of the two frameworks thereby provides a" strong -c ompact framework which iwill enjoy maximum rigidity when subjected to the imposition of forces from any direction.

-- The'widthof our framework is governed by suitable Preferably, the

shafts andcorner members 14, 16; This 9 permits the rigid sideframes to' be collapsed to a position in which the distance therebetween is equal to the-width of the exterior members 26, 28'since these members strike against mid struts 19,190, as best seen in FIGURE 5.

' 'In view of the fobviousvariations' which arepossible from the foregoing. exemplary description, it is our inte'n tionthat the scope of our invention be measured not solely by the description, but rather bythe following claims as interpreted in light of the prior art, having due regard to'the doctrine of equivalents.

We claim:

diagonal-brace assemblies, a pair of tie members spaced outwardly of said brace assemblies. on, opposite sides thereof and extending across the intersection of said assemblies in alignment witheach other, pivot means formed on said tie members and outer facing :portions of the brace assemblies to permit the brace assemblies to be rotated relative to each other about said pivot, and a pair of spacers extending between said tie members and located on opposite sides. of ,said pivot between said brace assemblies with said spacers andthe pivot lying in the same plane, said spacers being engageable with said -brace assemblies to limit rotation'of the brace. assemblies toward each other, said spacers being removable so that spacers of varying thickness can. be substituted to vary the minimum angle betweenthe brace assemblies.

i 1.2. A folda-ble cross brace including a pair ofcrossed diagonal brace assemblies, a pair of tie members spaced adjustment of the length of thediagonal brace members, I

the location of the tie plates, and the angle between the crossed brace assemblies. a

One important advantage of our invention that when the framework is being collapsed the upper part can be made to collapse further inwardiythan the lower portion tothereby provide a base of *maxirhum width and stability. Our framework is thereby self-susa taining and more stable untilit is completely collapsed.

This-is accomplished by adjusting the telescopic memis the fact bers with respect to one'an'other to a position in which the distance between the point of connection of the diagonal brace members to'the upper struts and the stubpivot 43 is less'than the distance between the pointof connection of the diagonal brace members to thelower struts and the stub pivot 43. For any given increment of col lapsing thrust against therigid sideframes, the upper struts 20, 28a will move inwardlya further distance than lower struts 18, 18a. Our framework in a partially collapsed condition is illustrated in FIGURE 4; This is of outwardly ofsaid brace assemblies on opposite sides thereof and extending across the intersection of said assemblies in alignment with each other, pivot means formed on said tie members and outer facing portions of the brace assernblies to permitthe brace assemblies to be rotated relative toeach other about said pivot, and a pair of spacers extending between said tie members and located on opposite sides ofsaid pivot between said brace assemblies with said spacers and the pivot lying in the same plane,:s-aid spacers being engageable with said brace: assemblies to a limit rotation of. the braceassemblies toward each other,

and a pivot shaft extending from the'outer facing portions of the diagonal brace assemblies, each tie member beingpivota-lly carried by an associated pivotsha-ft.

' 3. Afold-ab-le cross brace assembly including apair of crossed variable-length brace members, a'pair of tie members, one on each'of theopposite outer sides of said brace membersxand extending across the intersection thereof, conformations on said brace and tie members providing a separablepivotal connection between each of. said tie members and the opposed surface of its adjacent brace member, and a pair of spacers removably secured to and extend-ing betweenfsaid tie members, said spacers being Moreover, the

located on opposite sides of saidintersection.

415A foldable cros's braceassemblyincluding a pair of crossed variable-length brace mernbers, a pair of tie members, one on each of the opposite outer sides of said brace membersiand extending across'the intersection thereof, conformations on said brace and tie members providing a separablepivotal connection between each of said tie membersand the opposedsunfiaceof its adjacent brace member, and a pair of spacers removably secured to and extending between said tie members, said spacers being located on opposite sides of said intersection, and additional conformations on and spaced along each of said brace members, said additional conformations being substantially identical to the first-named conformations on said brace members whereby said pivotal connection may be selectively aifected with said tie members at a variety of points on said brace members.

5. A brace assembly including a pair of crossed variable-length brace members and means removably connected with said brace members to abut, pivot and couple said brace members at their crossing point, said means including a set of tie bars, each of said tie bars being separably, pivotally connected to an outer surface of one of said brace members and a pair of spacers, each of said spacers extending between and removab-ly secured to aligned end portions of said tie bars to couple said brace members together in abutting relationship and to hold said tie bars in pivotal connection with said brace members.

6. A foldable brace assembly including a pair of crossed, variable-length brace members, each of said members including a first, hollow, elongated member having an uninterrupted inner area and a second elongated member slidable in said first member, and means removably coupling said brace members in abut-ted, pivotal relationship, said means including a pivot-forming conformation on the outer surface of each of said brace members, a. pair of tie members, each of said tie members having a pivotforming conformation adapted for separable pivotal mating with said brace member conformations and spacers remova'bly secured to and extending between said tie members on opposite sides of said brace members.

7. For use in a collapsible framework structure, a pair of crossed, variable-iength brace members, and means removably connected with said brace members, said means including a set of tie bars, each of said tie bars being separably, pivotally connected to an outer surface of one of said brace members, and spacer members extending between and removebly secured to said tie bars to couple said brace members together in abutting relationship and to hold said tie bars in pivotal connection with said brace members.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 153,270 7/74 Newhard 182--152 164,386 6/75 Merrick 248 164 326,514 9/ Moross 287--51 2,352,090 6/44 Faller 1O8-118 2,897,013 7/69 Delp 189- 3,105,572 10/63 Nesslinger 182-4162 FOREIGN PATENTS 16,099 3/ 27 Netherlands.

HARRISON R. MOSELEY, Primary Examiner. 

7. FOR USE IN A COLLAPSIBLE FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE, A PAIR OF CROSSED, VARIABLE-LENGTH BRACE MEMBERS, AND MEANS REMOVABLY CONNECTED WITH SAID BRACE MEMBERS, SAID MEANS INCLUDING A SET OF TIE BARS, EACH OF SAID TIE BARS BEING SEPARABLY, PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TOO AN OUTER SURFACE OF ONE OF SAID BRACE MEMBERS, AND SPACER MEMBERS EXTENDING BETWEEN AND REMOVABLY SECURED TO SAID TIE BARS TO COUPLE SAID BRACE MEMBERS TOGETHER IN ABUTTING RELATIONSHIP AND TO HOLD SAID TIE BARS IN PIVOTAL CONNECTION WITH SAID BRACE MEMBERS. 